**Promotion of Local Artists: A Cultural Milestone for Cyprus' EU Presidency**
During Cyprus' recent presidency of the EU Council, the international promotion of Cypriot artists emerged as a significant achievement, according to Deputy Culture Minister Lina Kassianidou. Speaking on Tuesday, Kassianidou highlighted the extensive cultural program implemented during the presidency, which aimed to showcase the richness of Cypriot heritage and contemporary creative expressions on a global stage.
"This was the greatest gain from the presidency: we were able to spread our wings and send artists, musicians, and choreographers to many countries around the world to present their work," Kassianidou stated. She emphasized that the initiative resulted in "tangible results" regarding the international promotion of both cultural heritage and contemporary art, as well as contributions to European cultural policy.
Throughout the presidency, Cyprus organized a diverse array of cultural events, including 18 concerts and musical performances, 18 art and archaeological exhibitions, seven dance performances, and nine events encompassing theatre, poetry, and cinema. These activities took place across 30 countries, engaging over 500 artists in venues ranging from Belgium to Denmark, France, and Germany. Kassianidou expressed optimism that these showcases would enhance the visibility of Cypriot creators and potentially lead to future collaborations and invitations.
In addition to promoting local artists, Kassianidou discussed the legislative efforts surrounding AgoraEU, a new financial program designed to support culture, media, and civil society from 2028 to 2034. She explained that AgoraEU would build upon the existing Creative Europe program, aiming to increase the participation of Cypriot organizations in European cultural initiatives.
The deputy minister also highlighted several other accomplishments from the presidency. Notably, the joint declaration titled "Europe for Culture – Culture for Europe" was signed in Brussels by key figures including President Nikos Christodoulides, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. This declaration aims to strengthen cultural cooperation across Europe.
Furthermore, Kassianidou mentioned the promotion of the new work program for Culture 2027 to 2030, which outlines the priorities for European collaboration in the cultural sector. The program focuses on enhancing the protection, digitization, and accessibility of European archives for citizens.
Another critical topic addressed during the presidency was the informal meeting of culture ministers held in Nicosia on June 2. This meeting focused on the protection of cultural rights amid the challenges posed by artificial intelligence and the illicit trafficking of cultural goods. Kassianidou noted that ministers discussed strategies for public policies that could foster human creativity while safeguarding artistic freedom, authorship, transparency, and fair compensation for creators.
As Cyprus reflects on its cultural achievements during its EU presidency, the promotion of local artists stands out as a pivotal milestone. The initiatives undertaken not only showcased the talents of Cypriot creators but also reinforced the importance of cultural exchange and collaboration within the broader European context.